‘La Koreana,’ a Banner New Talent Title From Spain, Brought to Market at Locarno by Producers Lazona Zinema and Estibaliz Urresola’s Sirimiri (EXCLUSIVE)

Sirimiri Films, the production company founded by Estibaliz Urresola, the acclaimed director behind the Berlinale award-winning film “20,000 Species of Bees,” is joining forces with Lazona Zinema to produce “La Koreana.” Lazona Zinema, which operates as the Basque division of the established production entity Lazona, brings a significant track record to the collaboration. Lazona's previous productions include notable Spanish titles such as the popular comedy franchise “Spanish Affair,” the television series “Gigantes,” and the critically recognized thriller “No Rest for the Wicked,” demonstrating a breadth of experience across different genres and formats.

“La Koreana” is being heralded as one of Spain's most promising new talent titles, signifying a significant opportunity for emerging filmmakers. The project is set to be the projected feature film debut of Basque writer-director Joana Moya, whose vision is central to the film's development. The film has made its initial market debut at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival, a key international gathering for film industry professionals, buyers, and critics. This strategic presentation at Locarno underscores the film's ambition for international reach and its positioning within the global arthouse cinema circuit.

The partnership between Sirimiri Films and Lazona Zinema represents a concerted effort to nurture and support new directorial voices within the vibrant Spanish film landscape. Estibaliz Urresola's previous success with “20,000 Species of Bees,” which garnered substantial critical acclaim and awards, including at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), establishes a strong precedent for Sirimiri Films. This success highlights the company's commitment to backing projects with distinct artistic merit and the potential for significant international recognition. The involvement of Lazona Zinema, with its established presence and proven commercial success in the Spanish film market, suggests a well-rounded approach to developing and distributing “La Koreana,” aiming to balance artistic integrity with market viability.

The film's unveiling at the Locarno Film Festival is a crucial step in its journey towards international sales and distribution. Locarno is particularly renowned for its dedication to auteur cinema and its role as a launchpad for emerging talent, making it an ideal platform for a debut feature like “La Koreana.” The designation of the film as a "banner new talent title" reflects the considerable anticipation surrounding Joana Moya's directorial capabilities and her unique narrative approach. This collaboration aims to harness the combined expertise, resources, and industry connections of both Sirimiri Films and Lazona Zinema to ensure the successful development, production, and subsequent release of “La Koreana” on both domestic and international stages.